Eric Gales cd Crown

I like it a lot so far, here's hoping the critics like it. I'm listening to LaDonna's song right now and will post it

Love it so far, although I've only had a chance to listen to the first half.  I'm really impressed with the production. The ample use of keys and fantastic background vocals add a lot of depth and sonic variety, but it's still very solidly an Eric Gales blues/rock record.

Eric and Joe at the Railgarten Memphis, TN  01.28.2022

   live Crown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVDONbuZAI4

The album is very good.
Seems like on his last several albums be is branching out from just the hard driving blues rock although there are still some flourishes. I am not used to his music being so soft at times.
  One thing I wish is that the 4  short little instrumentals where actual full tracks as they around like they could be great as longer tunes.
  All in all a well made “ mature” album.
Jos and Josh did a real nice job producing it

from Joe's interview:

..."How did the material come together for Eric’s new record, Crown?

  “The first thing I did was I listened to all of his records – 17 albums – and I’d sing along to find his range. This way,    while I was writing songs for the record, I’d write something with his vocal range in mind.”

A really great tune from the record is Too Close to the Fire.

“I wrote that one in New York with Tom Hambridge. I said, ‘We need a Hendrix-y thing,’ and I came up with the riff on a Strat, thinking, ‘I can see Eric playing this.’ Lyrically, it came from conversations between Eric, Josh Smith and me.

“He played through a Leslie [speaker cabinet] for Let Me Start with This to ramp up a Hendrix vibe on that one, too. His rig was his DV Mark amp, and one of my high-powered Twins, and the two amps together worked really well." https://www.guitarworld.com/features/jo … OCByOdZXe4

Wow.

  Been listening for this record again today, gets better and better with every listen, so many fantastic songs!